Swell VC

Swell VC's investment strategy is centered around five key frontiers: Enterprise Service-as-Software, Space & Defense, Bio Programmable Biology, Industrial, and Commerce. The firm seeks to invest in high-stakes systems that are essential for the economy and national defense. In the Enterprise sector, they focus on autonomous systems that enhance core functions for large enterprises. The Space & Defense frontier includes software-defined defense and commercial opportunities in space.

In the Bio sector, Swell VC supports advancements in programmable biology and data-rich biological systems. Their Industrial focus backs technologies that improve the reliability of physical processes through autonomy and automation. Lastly, in Commerce, they invest in algorithmic markets that optimize the movement, pricing, and transaction of goods. The firm looks for founders with technical depth and commercial instincts, who can identify opportunities that others may overlook.

Swell VC's portfolio features a diverse range of companies across various sectors, including:

• Loft Orbital: Provides space infrastructure for various missions, often referred to as the 'AWS of space.'
• Crisp: Utilizes data and machine learning to reduce global food waste, serving over 6,000 customers including Walmart and Target.
• Deel: A leader in global remote work solutions, facilitating payroll and compliance.
• ScienceIO: Unlocks the potential of untapped biomedical data, with a notable acquisition valued at $140 million.
• Legalpad: Simplifies employment-based immigration through software solutions, now acquired.
• Credal: Provides a security layer for enterprises utilizing AI technologies.
• Deepnight: Develops AI-powered night vision technology, collaborating with companies like Anduril and Toyota.
• Array Labs: Focuses on 3D earth mapping, backed by In-Q-Tel and Lockheed Martin.
• RyboDyn: Works on therapies utilizing untapped proteins in the human body.
• Modern Intelligence: Enhances national defense capabilities through AI, partnering with the Department of Defense.
• IronGrid: Provides insurance solutions tailored for robotics.
• Godela Foundation: Develops AI applications for real-world challenges.
• Parametric: Innovates autonomous robots, starting with laundry solutions.
• Exodys: Focuses on recycling spent nuclear fuel for future energy needs.
• Treasure: Transforms idle business cash into revenue-generating opportunities.
• mParticle: A leading API middleware for enterprise marketers, now acquired.
• PebblePost: Reinvents direct mail solutions, also acquired.
• TapAd: Offers a cross-device online identity solution for marketers, with a $360 million exit.
• Northstar: Provides unbiased financial guidance, now acquired.
• Fiveable: Aims to make learning social in the edtech space.
• Sharpei: Enables retailers to launch product subscriptions.
• Klerk: Simplifies corporate travel and events.
• Curafi: Expands access to life-saving medications.

Rusty Ralston: Co-Founder and General Partner at Swell VC. He has over 15 years of experience in the venture capital industry and was an early employee at an AI startup in 2008. Rusty played a key role in the successful exit of TapAd, which was acquired for $360 million.

Jay Patil: Co-Founder and General Partner at Swell VC. He shares a similar background with Rusty, having worked together for over 15 years. Jay's expertise lies in unified decision-making and supporting founders in their entrepreneurial journeys.

To pitch to Swell VC, founders should visit their website at swell.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. While specific response times are not disclosed, founders are encouraged to follow up if they do not receive a timely response. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.

In October 2024, Swell VC successfully closed Fund II at $11.5 million, marking a 3.5x increase over Fund I. This fund will continue to support investments across the five key frontiers identified by the firm. Recent activity includes active deployment of capital across all sectors, with a focus on high-stakes systems that are essential for the economy and national defense.